ISLAMABAD: Life of journalists covering the Faizabad sit-in was made hellish and a number of journalists were subjected to physical violence by the protesters. Business Plus Islamabad Bureau Chief Yaseen Hashmi was in Faizabad on 25 November to cover the ongoing sit-in when he was assaulted by stick-wielding protesters. While reporting on the ongoing situation in Faizabad, Yaseen was approached by two stick-wielding protesters.
“I was reporting on the damage being done to public property, when two men, equipped with sticks, took offence and said that I was reporting in favour of the government,” Yaseen said in a statement. Yaseen said that during that argument, he took out his mobile phone to record a video of protesters torching a van on fire when the two protesters jumped on him. “They stole my office identity card and shouted, He is a reporter of Salman Taseer group”, Yaseen said, adding, “After that, at least a dozen stick-wielding protesters attacked me, snatched my mobile phone, wallet and Rs 20,000 cash; and started beating me with sticks.” Yaseen suffered wounds to his head and body after the assault. He was transported to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Published in Daily Times, November 28th 2017.
